Cockateils are one of the most popular bird breeds to own as a pet. They’re friendly, playful, form strong bonds with their owners and are relatively easy to care for. Better yet, cockateils can make long term companions. In fact, according to All Pet Bird Info, cockateils can live for up to 20 years.
If you’re considering adopting a cockateil as your next pet, you’ll need to be up to date on all of the most important cockateil care info. Lucky for you, we’ve got the most important stuff covered.
What environment do cockateils need?
Cockateils are very curious creatures and therefore need room to move around and explore. Like you, they don’t want to be cramped up in a tiny space throughout all hours of the day. Recommendations suggest that the bigger the better. Usually a cage with a minimum of 24″ x 24″ x 24″ is ideal for a single cockateil according to All Pet Bird Info.
Socializing your cockateil
In addition to their curious nature, cockateils are extremely social and require regular interaction with people. An equally important means of socializing your cockateil when humans aren’t around is the use of toys and various perches to play with. This is a quick and easy way to keep your cockateil entertained, although it doesn’t replace the need for regular human interaction.
As your cockateil grows more attached to it’s owner, you may even want to let it perch on your shoulder as you do work. This is another great way to keep your bird entertained while further bonding with it.
What do cockateils eat
Cockateils require a simple diet consisting of mostly seeds and pellets. You can find cockateil food at most any pet store. In addition to the basics, cockateils enjoy a wide variety of fruits and vegetables like bananas and dark, leafy greens. These give your bird the extra nutrition and variety that it needs to stay at peak health.
Cockateil Hygiene
Clean your bird’s cage at regular intervals, preferably once per week. As your bird sheds, poops and leaves behind traces of food, you need to keep an eye out to make sure it’s living space never gets too messy. Additionally, similar to clipping a dog’s nails, your cockateil’s wings should be clipped as needed. This is too prevent your bird from flying away.
For info on how and when to properly trim your cockateil’s wings, read this article by Dummies.
Most of all, cockateils need all of the love they can get. As such, make sure that you are fully committed before adopting a cockateil. The care of any pet is not something to take lightly. However, if you give your cockateil the care and attention that it deserves, you are sure to feel the reward.
If, with all of the above information in mind, you decide that getting a cockateil is the right move for you, consider adopting one rather than purchasing from a pet store. Bird rescue sites such as Burge Bird Services exist all over the world. Because who knows? Your future cockateil may be just as desperate for a loving home as you are desperate to give it one.